US20090151713A1 - Thermal Heating System - Google Patents
Thermal Heating System Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090151713A1 US20090151713A1 US12/277,846 US27784608A US2009151713A1 US 20090151713 A1 US20090151713 A1 US 20090151713A1 US 27784608 A US27784608 A US 27784608A US 2009151713 A1 US2009151713 A1 US 2009151713A1
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- Prior art keywords
- elongated conduit
- elongated
- fluid
- conduit
- approximately
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 title description 4
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 41
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 18
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 125000000391 vinyl group Chemical group [H]C([*])=C([H])[H] 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920002554 vinyl polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000009408 flooring Methods 0.000 claims 1
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 6
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000004566 building material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000003466 anti-cipated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010426 asphalt Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007812 deficiency Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002803 fossil fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S10/00—Solar heat collectors using working fluids
- F24S10/70—Solar heat collectors using working fluids the working fluids being conveyed through tubular absorbing conduits
- F24S10/75—Solar heat collectors using working fluids the working fluids being conveyed through tubular absorbing conduits with enlarged surfaces, e.g. with protrusions or corrugations
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S20/00—Solar heat collectors specially adapted for particular uses or environments
- F24S20/60—Solar heat collectors integrated in fixed constructions, e.g. in buildings
- F24S20/67—Solar heat collectors integrated in fixed constructions, e.g. in buildings in the form of roof constructions
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S80/00—Details, accessories or component parts of solar heat collectors not provided for in groups F24S10/00-F24S70/00
- F24S80/30—Arrangements for connecting the fluid circuits of solar collectors with each other or with other components, e.g. pipe connections; Fluid distributing means, e.g. headers
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
- Y02B10/20—Solar thermal
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
- Y02E10/44—Heat exchange systems
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
- Y02E10/47—Mountings or tracking
Definitions
- the present invention is generally related to a thermal heating system and more particularly is related to a thermal heating system partly installed non-disruptively beneath traditional shingles of a roof.
- Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for collecting thermal energy. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows.
- the system contains a plurality of elongated conduit.
- a height dimension of the elongated conduit is substantially less than a width dimension of the elongated conduit.
- a plurality of connecting elements is connected between the elongated conduits establishing a fluid path through the elongated conduit. A fluid is captured within the elongated conduit.
- the present invention can also be viewed as providing methods for collecting thermal energy.
- one embodiment of such a method can be broadly summarized by the following steps: mounting a plurality of elongated conduit along a building structure, wherein a height dimension of the elongated conduit is substantially less than a width dimension of the elongated conduit; connecting the plurality of the elongated conduit to establish a fluid path through the elongated conduit; and pumping a fluid along the fluid path.
- FIG. 1 is an illustration of a top view of a portion of a thermal energy collection system, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of an elongated conduit used in the thermal energy collection system of FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of the thermal energy collection system of FIG. 1 mounted on a roof, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is an illustration of a perspective view of a connector nozzle that mates with the elongated conduit shown in FIG. 2 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is an illustration of a portion of the cross-sectional side view of the thermal energy collection system shown in FIG. 3 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of collecting thermal energy with the thermal energy collection system of FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 1 is an illustration of a top view of a portion of a thermal energy collection system 10 , in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- the thermal energy collection system 10 contains a plurality of elongated conduit 12 .
- a height dimension of the elongated conduit 12 is substantially less than a width dimension of the elongated conduit 12 .
- a plurality of connecting elements 14 is connected between the elongated conduits 12 establishing a fluid path through the elongated conduits 12 .
- a fluid is captured within the elongated conduit 12 .
- the elongated conduit 12 may be arranged in rows with a layer of shingles, vinyl siding panels, or other exterior building materials 22 attached approximately immediately over the elongated conduit 12 .
- Connecting elements 14 may be utilized to establish a fluid path between the elongated conduits 12 .
- the connection elements 14 may establish a collection of parallel flow paths, as is shown in FIG. 1 , or a substantial portion of the elongated conduits 12 connected in series.
- the fluid may be water, although other fluids, including both liquids and gases, may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of an elongated conduit 12 used in the thermal energy collection system 10 of FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- the height dimension H of the elongated conduit 12 is substantially less than a width dimension W of the elongated conduit 12 .
- the height dimension H may be less than 0.25 inches.
- the height dimension H may be less than 0.2 inches and the width may be at least 1 inch.
- the elongated conduit 12 may be formed by folding over a sheet of copper, or a similar sheet of metal, and welding it along its length at a weld point 16 , where each of the bends in the elongated conduit 12 is formed by bending the copper.
- the opening of the elongated conduit 12 may be twice the thickness of the sheet of copper and the height dimension may be four times the copper thickness. While the elongated conduit 12 is described as a copper conduit, the elongated conduit 12 may be another metal or an extruded polymeric material or any other operative fluid conduit material known to those having skill in the art As shown in FIG. 2 , the elongated conduit 12 may be divided into two sections, a fluid channel 18 and wings 20 . The wings 20 may simply be two layers of copper pinched together, permitting little fluid transport between the layers. The fluid channel 18 may be an opening that allows the majority of the fluid transport.
- the wings 20 may receive heat from solar energy, or other sources, and transfer that energy to the fluid channel 18 and, ultimately, the fluid within the fluid channel 18 .
- the elongated conduit 12 is primarily discussed herein as collecting thermal energy, the elongated conduit 12 may also be used to distribute thermal energy.
- the elongated conduit 12 may be installed under floors or beneath a surface of a driveway to distribute heat from heated fluid flowing in the elongated conduit 12 .
- the heated fluid may thermally transfer heat to the fluid channel 18 and then the wings 20 to disperse heat to an area local to the elongated conduit 12 .
- FIG. 3 is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of the thermal energy collection system 10 of FIG. 1 mounted on a roof, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- the thermal energy collection system 10 includes an elongated conduit 12 mounted to a roof sheathing 24 . Between the roof sheathing 24 and the elongated conduit 12 is a roof underlayment 26 , a product known to those having ordinary skill in the art.
- the elongated conduit 12 is mounted to the roof sheathing 24 and over the roof underlayment 26 with a substantially flat fastening strap 28 .
- the fastening strap 28 is attached to the roof sheathing 24 by a plurality of fasteners 30 .
- the fasteners 30 do not pierce or mechanically impinge the elongated conduit 12 .
- a slip sheet 32 is mounted over the fastening strap 28 and the fasteners 30 attaching the fastener strap 28 to the roof sheathing 24 .
- the slip sheet 32 and the fastening strap 28 may protect the elongated conduit 12 from rubbing against an exterior building material 22 that may be abrasive, such as asphalt shingles.
- an exterior building material 22 may be abrasive, such as asphalt shingles.
- More fasteners 30 may fasten the exterior building material 22 to the roof sheathing 24 . These additional fasteners 30 may be located to avoid impinging the elongated conduit 12 .
- the connection elements 14 connect to the elongated conduit 12 to provide the flow path for fluid traversing the elongated conduit 12 .
- connection elements 14 may be arranged to connect with the elongated conduit 12 at an approximate right angle. Significant water flow directed at a side of the elongated conduit 12 may create focused wear on the elongated conduit 12 proximate to a connection point, dependent on the material used to form the elongated conduit 12 .
- FIG. 4 is an illustration of a perspective view of a connector nozzle 34 that mates with the elongated conduit 12 shown in FIG. 2 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. S is an illustration of a portion of the cross-sectional side view of the thermal energy collection system 10 shown in FIG. 3 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- the connector nozzle 34 includes a deflector plate 36 , an insert element 38 , a collar 40 , and a neck 42 .
- the connector nozzle 34 mounts into an opening formed in the elongated conduit 12 such that the deflector plate 36 and the insert element 38 enter the elongated conduit 12 and the collar 40 abuts an outside surface of the elongated conduit 12 .
- a flow channel is formed within the neck 42 and collar 40 of the connector nozzle 34 such that fluid can pass through an opening 44 formed in the insert element 38 to the elongated conduit 12 or to a connection element 14 connected to the neck 42 .
- the collar 40 may be soldered to the elongated conduit 12 to provide a liquid-tight connection.
- the deflector plate 36 is provided to protect the elongated conduit 12 from wear induced by water flow.
- the deflector plate 36 may be made of stainless steel.
- FIG. 6 is a flowchart 200 illustrating a method of collecting thermal energy with the thermal energy collection system 10 of FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention.
- any process descriptions or blocks in flow charts should be understood as representing modules, segments, portions of code, or steps that include one or more instructions for implementing specific logical functions in the process, and alternate implementations are included within the scope of the present invention in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present invention.
- a plurality of elongated conduit 12 are mounted along a building structure, wherein a height dimension of the elongated conduit 12 is substantially less than a width dimension of the elongated conduit 12 .
- the plurality of the elongated conduit 12 is connected to establish a fluid path through the elongated conduit 12 (block 204 ).
- a fluid is pumped along the fluid path (block 206 ).
- the fluid may be used to collect heat by mounting the elongated conduit 12 in a place that will be heated, for instance, by solar energy.
- the fluid may also be used to heat an area by mounting the elongated conduit 12 in a place to distribute heat, such as within a floor.
- Mounting may be performed by mounting relatively flat straps about one side of the elongated conduit 12 and securing the flat straps 28 on either side of the elongated conduit 12 to a building structure.
- a connector nozzle 34 may be mounted at either end of an elongated conduit 12 at an angle approximately perpendicular to the elongated conduit 12 to feed fluid into and draw fluid from the elongated conduit 12 .
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Sustainable Energy (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
- Roof Covering Using Slabs Or Stiff Sheets (AREA)
Abstract
The system contains a plurality of elongated conduit. A height dimension of the elongated conduit is substantially less than a width dimension of the elongated conduit. A plurality of connecting elements is connected between the elongated conduits establishing a fluid path through the elongated conduit. A fluid is captured within the elongated conduit.
Description
- This application claims priority to copending U.S. Provisional Application entitled, “Thermal Solar Collector,” having Ser. No. 61/008,179, filed Dec. 18, 2007, which is entirely incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention is generally related to a thermal heating system and more particularly is related to a thermal heating system partly installed non-disruptively beneath traditional shingles of a roof.
- Environmental concerns and the depletion of non-renewable energy resources, particularly fossil fuels, have created an on-going need for viable alternative energy sources. Solar energy has long been considered an ideal alternative energy source. Using radiation from the sun to generate heat or other forms of energy is not harmful to the environment and provides a seemingly unlimited supply of energy. Further, any individual or business may use solar energy by installing solar panels on residential and non-residential buildings. The energy is available independent from any utility service provider. Various types of solar collector panels have been designed to maximize the efficient conversion of solar radiation for heating and other forms of energy.
- Despite these advantages, however, the use of existing solar energy systems has been limited. Solar collection panels, typically used to collect and provide solar energy, are expensive and are often difficult to install. Further, incorporating solar energy into a building using current technology often requires significant structural changes to the building. Roofs need to be built out or significantly modified to support many thermal energy conversion systems. Many thermal energy conversion systems also diminish the aesthetic appeal of a roof. As a result of the expense, complexity of design, and appearance related to installation of solar collection panels, many individuals have opted to continue using conventional energy sources rather than solar energy.
- Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.
- Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for collecting thermal energy. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. The system contains a plurality of elongated conduit. A height dimension of the elongated conduit is substantially less than a width dimension of the elongated conduit. A plurality of connecting elements is connected between the elongated conduits establishing a fluid path through the elongated conduit. A fluid is captured within the elongated conduit.
- The present invention can also be viewed as providing methods for collecting thermal energy. In this regard, one embodiment of such a method, among others, can be broadly summarized by the following steps: mounting a plurality of elongated conduit along a building structure, wherein a height dimension of the elongated conduit is substantially less than a width dimension of the elongated conduit; connecting the plurality of the elongated conduit to establish a fluid path through the elongated conduit; and pumping a fluid along the fluid path.
- Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
- Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
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FIG. 1 is an illustration of a top view of a portion of a thermal energy collection system, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of an elongated conduit used in the thermal energy collection system ofFIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of the thermal energy collection system ofFIG. 1 mounted on a roof, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 4 is an illustration of a perspective view of a connector nozzle that mates with the elongated conduit shown inFIG. 2 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 is an illustration of a portion of the cross-sectional side view of the thermal energy collection system shown inFIG. 3 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of collecting thermal energy with the thermal energy collection system ofFIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 1 is an illustration of a top view of a portion of a thermalenergy collection system 10, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The thermalenergy collection system 10 contains a plurality ofelongated conduit 12. A height dimension of theelongated conduit 12 is substantially less than a width dimension of theelongated conduit 12. A plurality of connectingelements 14 is connected between theelongated conduits 12 establishing a fluid path through theelongated conduits 12. A fluid is captured within theelongated conduit 12. - As can be seen in
FIG. 1 , theelongated conduit 12 may be arranged in rows with a layer of shingles, vinyl siding panels, or otherexterior building materials 22 attached approximately immediately over theelongated conduit 12. Connectingelements 14 may be utilized to establish a fluid path between theelongated conduits 12. Theconnection elements 14 may establish a collection of parallel flow paths, as is shown inFIG. 1 , or a substantial portion of theelongated conduits 12 connected in series. The fluid may be water, although other fluids, including both liquids and gases, may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of anelongated conduit 12 used in the thermalenergy collection system 10 ofFIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As represented by the illustration inFIG. 2 , the height dimension H of theelongated conduit 12 is substantially less than a width dimension W of theelongated conduit 12. The height dimension H may be less than 0.25 inches. The height dimension H may be less than 0.2 inches and the width may be at least 1 inch. Theelongated conduit 12 may be formed by folding over a sheet of copper, or a similar sheet of metal, and welding it along its length at aweld point 16, where each of the bends in theelongated conduit 12 is formed by bending the copper. The opening of theelongated conduit 12, at its tallest portion, may be twice the thickness of the sheet of copper and the height dimension may be four times the copper thickness. While theelongated conduit 12 is described as a copper conduit, theelongated conduit 12 may be another metal or an extruded polymeric material or any other operative fluid conduit material known to those having skill in the art As shown inFIG. 2 , theelongated conduit 12 may be divided into two sections, afluid channel 18 andwings 20. Thewings 20 may simply be two layers of copper pinched together, permitting little fluid transport between the layers. Thefluid channel 18 may be an opening that allows the majority of the fluid transport. Thewings 20 may receive heat from solar energy, or other sources, and transfer that energy to thefluid channel 18 and, ultimately, the fluid within thefluid channel 18. While theelongated conduit 12 is primarily discussed herein as collecting thermal energy, theelongated conduit 12 may also be used to distribute thermal energy. Specifically, theelongated conduit 12 may be installed under floors or beneath a surface of a driveway to distribute heat from heated fluid flowing in theelongated conduit 12. In a heat distribution arrangement, the heated fluid may thermally transfer heat to thefluid channel 18 and then thewings 20 to disperse heat to an area local to theelongated conduit 12. -
FIG. 3 is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of the thermalenergy collection system 10 ofFIG. 1 mounted on a roof, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The thermalenergy collection system 10 includes anelongated conduit 12 mounted to aroof sheathing 24. Between theroof sheathing 24 and theelongated conduit 12 is aroof underlayment 26, a product known to those having ordinary skill in the art. Theelongated conduit 12 is mounted to theroof sheathing 24 and over theroof underlayment 26 with a substantiallyflat fastening strap 28. Thefastening strap 28 is attached to theroof sheathing 24 by a plurality offasteners 30. Thefasteners 30 do not pierce or mechanically impinge theelongated conduit 12. Aslip sheet 32 is mounted over thefastening strap 28 and thefasteners 30 attaching thefastener strap 28 to theroof sheathing 24. Theslip sheet 32 and thefastening strap 28 may protect theelongated conduit 12 from rubbing against anexterior building material 22 that may be abrasive, such as asphalt shingles. During use, because of an anticipated daily change of temperature in theelongated conduit 12 in the tens of degrees (Fahrenheit), theelongated conduit 12 can be expected to expand and contract on a daily basis, which will cause rubbing against abutting materials.More fasteners 30 may fasten theexterior building material 22 to theroof sheathing 24. Theseadditional fasteners 30 may be located to avoid impinging theelongated conduit 12. Theconnection elements 14 connect to theelongated conduit 12 to provide the flow path for fluid traversing theelongated conduit 12. - As can be viewed in the various illustrations, the
connection elements 14 may be arranged to connect with theelongated conduit 12 at an approximate right angle. Significant water flow directed at a side of theelongated conduit 12 may create focused wear on theelongated conduit 12 proximate to a connection point, dependent on the material used to form theelongated conduit 12. -
FIG. 4 is an illustration of a perspective view of aconnector nozzle 34 that mates with theelongated conduit 12 shown inFIG. 2 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. - FIG. S is an illustration of a portion of the cross-sectional side view of the thermal
energy collection system 10 shown inFIG. 3 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Theconnector nozzle 34 includes adeflector plate 36, aninsert element 38, acollar 40, and aneck 42. - As shown in
FIG. 5 , theconnector nozzle 34 mounts into an opening formed in theelongated conduit 12 such that thedeflector plate 36 and theinsert element 38 enter theelongated conduit 12 and thecollar 40 abuts an outside surface of theelongated conduit 12. A flow channel is formed within theneck 42 andcollar 40 of theconnector nozzle 34 such that fluid can pass through anopening 44 formed in theinsert element 38 to theelongated conduit 12 or to aconnection element 14 connected to theneck 42. Thecollar 40 may be soldered to theelongated conduit 12 to provide a liquid-tight connection. Thedeflector plate 36 is provided to protect theelongated conduit 12 from wear induced by water flow. Thedeflector plate 36 may be made of stainless steel. -
FIG. 6 is a flowchart 200 illustrating a method of collecting thermal energy with the thermalenergy collection system 10 ofFIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention. It should be noted that any process descriptions or blocks in flow charts should be understood as representing modules, segments, portions of code, or steps that include one or more instructions for implementing specific logical functions in the process, and alternate implementations are included within the scope of the present invention in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present invention. - As is shown by
block 202, a plurality ofelongated conduit 12 are mounted along a building structure, wherein a height dimension of theelongated conduit 12 is substantially less than a width dimension of theelongated conduit 12. The plurality of theelongated conduit 12 is connected to establish a fluid path through the elongated conduit 12 (block 204). A fluid is pumped along the fluid path (block 206). - The fluid may be used to collect heat by mounting the
elongated conduit 12 in a place that will be heated, for instance, by solar energy. The fluid may also be used to heat an area by mounting theelongated conduit 12 in a place to distribute heat, such as within a floor. Mounting may be performed by mounting relatively flat straps about one side of theelongated conduit 12 and securing theflat straps 28 on either side of theelongated conduit 12 to a building structure. Aconnector nozzle 34 may be mounted at either end of anelongated conduit 12 at an angle approximately perpendicular to theelongated conduit 12 to feed fluid into and draw fluid from theelongated conduit 12. - It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments of the invention without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention and protected by the following claims.
Claims (18)
1. A system for collecting thermal energy, the system comprising:
a plurality of elongated conduit, wherein a height dimension of the elongated conduit is substantially less than a width dimension of the elongated conduit;
a plurality of connecting elements between the elongated conduit establishing a fluid path through the elongated conduit; and
a fluid captured within the elongated conduit.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the height dimension of the elongated conduit is approximately less than 0.25 inches.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the elongated conduit are mounted to a top of a structure approximately immediately beneath a plurality of shingles.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the elongated conduit further comprises a pair of wings formed on opposite sides of the elongated conduit, thereby extending a width dimension of the elongated conduit.
5. The system of claim 1 , further comprising:
an opening formed in an underside of at least one of the elongated conduits; and
a connector mounted to the elongated conduit at the opening, wherein the connector approximately forms a right angle with the elongated conduit.
6. The system of claim 5 , further comprising a deflector plate formed at least partially within the elongated conduit proximate to the opening.
7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the height dimension of the elongated conduit is approximately less than 0.2 inches and the width dimension is at least approximately 1 inch.
8. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of approximately flat support straps mounted about the plurality of elongated conduit and connected to a building structure.
9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the elongated conduit are mounted to a side of a structure approximately immediately behind a plurality of siding panels.
10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the elongated conduit are mounted approximately immediately beneath a flooring structure.
11. A method of collecting thermal energy, said method comprising the steps of:
mounting a plurality of elongated conduit along a building structure, wherein a height dimension of the elongated conduit is substantially less than a width dimension of the elongated conduit;
connecting the plurality of the elongated conduit to establish a fluid path through the elongated conduit; and
pumping a fluid along the fluid path.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the step of mounting the plurality of elongated conduit along the building structure further comprises mounting the plurality of elongated conduit along the building structure with a plurality of approximately flat support straps.
13. The method of claim 11 , further comprising the step of mounting a plurality of shingles along one side of the elongated conduit.
14. The method of claim 11 , further comprising the step of mounting a plurality of vinyl siding panels along one side of the elongated conduit.
15. The method of claim 11 , further comprising the steps of:
collecting solar heat with a pair of thermally conductive wings formed along opposing sides of the elongated conduit; and
thermally transferring the collected solar heat to the fluid.
16. The method of claim 11 , further comprising the step of mounting a fluid connector to the elongated conduit at an approximately perpendicular angle to the elongated conduit.
17. The method of claim 16 , further comprising the step of mounting a fluid deflector within the elongated conduit proximate to the fluid connector.
18. The method of claim 11 , further comprising the step of mounting an underlayer between the building structure and the elongated conduit thereby protecting the elongated conduit from an abrasive exterior to the building structure.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/277,846 US20090151713A1 (en) | 2007-12-18 | 2008-11-25 | Thermal Heating System |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US817907P | 2007-12-18 | 2007-12-18 | |
US12/277,846 US20090151713A1 (en) | 2007-12-18 | 2008-11-25 | Thermal Heating System |
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US20090151713A1 true US20090151713A1 (en) | 2009-06-18 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/277,846 Abandoned US20090151713A1 (en) | 2007-12-18 | 2008-11-25 | Thermal Heating System |
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Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20130014746A1 (en) * | 2010-04-02 | 2013-01-17 | Tancredi Simonetti | Solar receiver, particularly of the type for parabolic linear solar concentrators and the like |
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US9322573B2 (en) * | 2010-04-02 | 2016-04-26 | Ronda High Tech Srl | Solar receiver, particularly of the type for parabolic linear solar concentrators and the like |
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